Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
